Most foreign aid not through gov't - DFA

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) attempted to ease donors' anxiety on Wednesday, saying the significant foreign aid for Yolanda victims pouring in will not  pass through the hands of officials.

"Let me clarify that most of the international assistance, either in monetary form or in-kind donations, does not go through the Philippine government," DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

He said the agency is merely told of interested national donors offering assistance, but most of the countries have their own organizations to distribute the aid.

"So far, except for Indonesia, all international donors that have pledged monetary donations are coursing the money through their aid agencies, or through NGOs, charitable institutions and foundations of their choice," Hernandez said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the department computed a total of P3,848,564,500 value of aid for those affected by the deadly typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)

The Vatican, for one, is sending relief goods and financial aid to local churches, which will then reach the victims on the ground.

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"Some donors are distributing relief goods directly to the affected communities while others turned the items over to NDRRMC and DSWD repacking stations," Hernandez said.

The agency also asked the public to understand the processes involved in receiving international assistance, as this would ensure accountability.

"A pledge of financial support is subject to the rules and processes of the donating government or agency. Therefore, it takes time for the actual funds to be released to the recipients," the official said.

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"As for reports that adequate aid is yet to reach those in need, the DFA wishes to assure the public that it is doing everything it can to properly and promptly coordinate offers of international assistance with the agencies engaged in aid delivery," he said.